Introduction: Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) & Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
The Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are two major frameworks aimed at fostering unity and security across the Asian continent. For Nepal, these platforms provide essential links to the continent’s largest economies and a voice in shaping regional cooperation in fields ranging from tourism to counter-terrorism.
Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD)
Inaugurated in June 2002 in Thailand, the ACD is a continent-wide forum designed to be the “missing link” in Asian cooperation. It aims to build an Asian Community without creating a rigid bloc or duplicating other organizations.
- Core Values: Emphasizes positive thinking, informality, voluntarism, and the “comfort level” of member states.
- Membership: Currently comprises 35 countries.
- Six Priority Pillars:
- Connectivity.
- Science, Technology, and Innovation.
- Education and Human Resource Development.
- Interrelation of Food, Energy, and Water Security.
- Culture and Tourism (Nepal is a co-prime mover in this sector).
- Promoting Approaches to Inclusive and Sustainable Development.
Nepal and the ACD
- Membership: Nepal was welcomed as the 34th member in March 2016.
- Participation: Nepal participated in the 2nd ACD Summit in Bangkok and regularly attends Ministerial Meetings, including the 18th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York (2023).
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
Established on June 15, 2001, the SCO is a permanent intergovernmental organization focused on mutual trust, security, and economic cooperation.
- The “Shanghai Spirit”: The internal guiding principle based on mutual benefit, equality, and respect for diversity of civilizations.
- Structure:
- Secretariat: Located in Beijing, China.
- RATS: The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure is stationed in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- Key Bodies: The Council of Heads of State is the apex decision-making body that meets once a year.
Nepal and the SCO
- Status: Nepal is a Dialogue Partner of the SCO.
- MoU Signing: Nepal officially joined as a Dialogue Partner on March 22, 2016.
- Scope of Cooperation: Nepal’s engagement covers trade, transit, investment, energy, agriculture, security, and disaster management.
Comparative Highlights
| Feature | Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) | Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) |
| Established | 2002 (Thailand) | 2001 (Shanghai) |
| Nature | Informal, Non-institutionalized | Formal Intergovernmental |
| Nepal’s Status | Full Member (34th) | Dialogue Partner |
| Nepal’s Entry | March 2016 | March 22, 2016 |
| Key Focus | 6 Pillars (inc. Tourism/Connectivity) | Security, Trust, & Economic Order |
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